In light of our holding herein that the claimant is not entitled to reimbursement from a third party, the VA cannot charge the claimant for the services it has rendered him. 38 C.F.R. § 17.48(d). 5. The case of J. M. Tull Metals Co. v. United States, 123 Ga. App. 76 ( 179 S.E.2d 543), does not change the outcome of the present decision. In J. M. Tull Metals, the board awarded the widow of the decedent employee an amount to cover the outstanding hospital bills from the VA. The United States then sought judgment as a lien claimant and party in interest under Code Ann. § 114-711, and this court held that the United States was a party in interest and was entitled to collect the amount the VA had billed the employee for medical services rendered.